Smith Rapids Covered Bridge

Location

The Smith Rapids Covered Bridge is located N14900 Smith Rapids Road, which is 14 miles east of Fifield on State Highway 70 and then north 2 miles on Forest Road 148.

The bridge is located on Wisconsin's Rustic Road 105 in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and spans the South Fork of the Flambeau River, a popular destination for canoe and kayak enthusiasts when the water levels are high enough, which is typically in the spring and early summer.

History

The Smith Rapids Covered Bridge is the only glue-laminated Town Lattice covered bridge in Wisconsin. Constructed in 1991, the bridge uses an attractive diamond-shaped truss pattern, called the Town Lattice. The pattern was patented in the 1820s by its designer, Ithiel Town.

The Story of the Smith Rapids Covered Bridge

Area Activities

Adjacent to the bridge is the Chequamegaon-Nicolet National Forest’s 16-mile Smith Rapids Saddle Trail and the Smith Rapids Picnic Area which includes a picnic table, grill, drinking water, day-use area, river & stream fishing, carry-in boat access, and vault toilets; there is no garbage service. Snowmobilers can access the bridge off of Price County Snowmobile Trail #101 which makes an excellent scenic backdrop to snap memorable photographs of your ride. ATV, UTV and Off-road Motorcycle riders can visit the bridge by taking Trail #101 to the parking area and gate; from this parking area the bridge is a 5 minute hike through the picnic area.